General Information
Start/ End: Paro/ Paro
Duration: 8 days/ 7 nights
Tour Route: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Paro
Tour customize: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Guide/s: Local Guide (English Speaking Guide or Other Languages depends on your Request)
Transportation: Private first-class air-conditioned vehicles
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 3: Thimphu Exploration
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha
Day 5: Punakha – Paro
Day 6: Paro Sightseeing with Beer Tasting
Day 7: Tiger Nest Hiking Trip
Day 8: Paro Departure
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro | Transfer to Thimphu (D)
Your awe-inspiring Bhutan holiday package begins with your arrival in Paro. You will be greeted by a Go Bhutan Tours representative at the airport and given details about the tour, itinerary, inclusions and cultural practices in Bhutan. Head to Thimphu later while enjoying views of mesmerizing mountains and flowing rivers (70 km and 1.5 hours of traveling).
On arrival in Thimphu, check-in at the hotel, and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can book a relaxing massage (at an additional cost) at any premium hotel including transfers from and to the hotel on a private vehicle. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel. Overnight in Thimphu
Note: You could purchase the massage service at the time of booking this package
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing Journey (B)
After breakfast, visit the Simtokha Dzong – a monastery built in 1627 that today houses the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies. Then go to the Memorial Chorten which is the most visible religious structure in Thimphu and the Buddha View Point. The view of the valley from this point is as magnificent as the statue of Lord Buddha that resides on the premises.
After lunch, your sightseeing would continue at the Takin Mini Zoo the home to the Takin – the national animal of Bhutan that looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that it was created by the great Buddhist yogi – Drupa Kunley. The animal is indigenous to Bhutan and its surrounding regions.
Next, explore Tashichho Dzong – a strikingly large structure, surrounded by manicured lawns and beautiful gardens, which houses the throne room, offices of the secretariat and the King. After taking in the sights of Thimphu, you would be dropped off at the hotel to enjoy a delicious dinner.
Day 3: Thimphu Exploration (B)
Today, visit the Arts & Craft School – the Institute for Zorig Chusum or the Painting School – where students are taught and trained in the 13 traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. Then, see the extensive collection of Buddhist manuscripts at the National Library followed by a visit to the Textile Museum to learn about the national art of weaving. You will have a chance to see exhibits on major weaving techniques, styles of local dresses and textiles made by women and men.
After lunch, discover the Zilukha Nunnery or Drubthob Goemba – a monastery that offers a view of Tashichhoedzong. Afterward, travel to the Handicraft Emporium where an extensive range of colorful, handwoven textiles and other craft products will be available for purchase. In the evening, you would be dropped back at the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Note: In case 3rd day of your tour is a Tuesday or Wednesday, you can visit the Craft Bazaar – a bazaar marked by a spectacle of traditional bamboo huts, showcasing a wide range of authentic Bhutan-made art and craft products.
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha (B)
Today, transfer to Punakha (75 km – 3 hours of traveling). En route, make a stop to do some sightseeing. The first stop is the Dochula pass at the height of 3100m, offering a glimpse of the Himalayan range. As you come closer to Punakha valley, stop at Chimi Lhakhang or the Fertility Temple. This sacred temple was made in honor of Lama Drukpa Kunley. It takes 20 minutes for a pleasant walk from the road at Sopsokha to the temple. En route, you would also cross an archery ground.
Later, visit the Punakha Dzong. It stands majestically on an island between the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers and is one of the most photogenic of all of Bhutan’s ancient fortresses. The dzong joins the mainland by an arched wooden bridge and houses many precious relics from the days when successive kings reined the kingdom from this valley. In the evening, return to the hotel in Punakha for a comfortable overnight stay after a delectable dinner.
Day 5: Punakha – Paro (B)
After breakfast, head to Paro (about 150 km – 5 hours of traveling). After checking in at a hotel in Paro, the rest of the day is your leisure. You could go on a cycling tour (at an additional cost) to appreciate the country’s natural beauty and cultural wealth. The serene atmosphere makes a perfect setting for a picturesque exploration. Later return to the hotel, enjoy a warm and comforting dinner before you retire for the night.
Note: You could purchase the cycling tour at the time of booking this package.
Day 6: Paro Sightseeing with Beer Tasting (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, head out approximately at 8.30 am for local sightseeing to the National Museum of Paro that proudly displays antique items gathered from different parts of the country, in a revamped Ta-dzong building. Then, travel to one of the oldest temples in Bhutan – the Kyichu Lhakhang. It is believed that this temple was built in 659 to subdue a demoness residing in the Himalayas.
Afterward, head to a Brewery to discover the heritage of the locally produced beer and browse the many selections provided and get a chance to taste some of the local varieties and relish some snacks (limited). In the evening, return to the hotel for a warm and comforting dinner before you retire for the night.
Note: Beer will not be served to people below 25 years of age.
Day 7: Tiger’s Nest Hiking Trip (B)
Today, explore more of Paro by reaching the famous Tiger’s Nest Temple, also known as the Temple or Taksang Monastery. Perched precariously on the edge of a 1200-meter cliff, this monastery is an impressive sight and the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. It is recommended you wear comfortable walking shoes and carry light refreshments with water. An option to ride a horse from the parking lot to the monastery is also available. Alternately, you could also hike for about an hour to reach a cafeteria – a wooden tea-house restaurant which offers a good view of the monastery.
Later, visit a local farmhouse to get a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a typical Bhutanese family. Here, you could take part in Bhutan’s national sport – Archery. Deck-up in Bhutan’s national dress (gho and kira) to click pictures and also gulp down Ara, a local beverage made of rice. In the evening, you would be dropped at the hotel, with dinner and a comfortable overnight stay to end the day.
Day 8: Paro Departure (B)
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from the hotel to the airport in time for the scheduled flight to your next destination. Before that, you can take a rest at the hotel or go for a walk nearby. Trip ends.
Note: Please pack your luggage carefully, especially for small things like camera charge, power adaptor, mobile phone, phone charger, wallet and towel.
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